Claud L. Efird Jr.

Claud was born July 13,1934 as the eldest son of Claud Lee Efird Sr and Hazel McEachern Efird in Wilmington, NC. He attended local schools, graduating from New Hanover High School in 1952. He attended UNC Chapel Hill, graduating with a degree in Business administration as a member of Phi Gamma Delta. Upon graduation in 1956, Claud entered the Navy as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served in peace times aboard the destroyer USS Murray and spent time in Vietnam. In 1962, he returned to Wilmington, where he joined his father managing Efird’s Department Store while raising his two daughters, Claire and Katharine Shephard. He later became a vice President of the Belk-Simpson Group and oversaw the western region.

In 1981, Claud met and married Lori Williams at Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, NC. They moved to Kentucky in 1982 and enjoyed their free time traveling around the United States in their Volkswagen camper van. Years later they returned to Wilmington.

Throughout his life, Claud took great pleasure in designing and building homes: first the home in which he raised his girls, then his home in Kentucky, and finally the home he shared with Lori in Wilmington. He designed The Salt Shaker Book Store and Café, which Claire and Katharine owned and operated for almost 15 years.

Claud’s greatest joy, other than being a father to his girls Claire and Katharine Shephard, was to help lead others to Christ. He was instrumental in bringing Young Life to Wilmington high schools in the 1970’s and Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship to UNCW. He was a supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in southeastern North Carolina and enjoyed helping local student athletes and coaches in finding a relationship with Christ. Perhaps the most impact he had in his later years was through his involvement with Christ Community Church, which was another of his design visions. He was a founding elder and instrumental in starting and growing the Church. Thankfully, he was able to see it from birth to its latest expansion, worshiping in person until his last few weeks.

Claud was predeceased by his parents, his two brothers, Alex Efird and Ed Efird, and his niece Carol Efird. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lori Efird, his daughters Claire Efird and Katharine Shephard Sullivan (Steve), and his two beloved grandchildren Shephard Sullivan and Duncan Sullivan (Erin). He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Nancy Efird and Ruth Efird, and his niece and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Claud's life will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Christ Community Church, 4555 Fairview Drive, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Christ Community Church of Wilmington (cccwnc.com) or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (SupportLifeCare.org), or the charity of one’s choice.